Cyril looks down at the dog. I should have known he'd come along, the young Lucan thinks.
"Hello, Ed."
The dog quickly replied surprising Talia, "Hola Cyril, how are you?!" As you know his previous master died but luckily the wish to awaken the dog preserved. Then he musically adds, "So we are going on a treasure hunt, a treasure hunt, a treasure hunt...?"
"It would appear so" Cyril admitted. "But as you well know, appearances can be deceiving."
The dog asks, "Who me? Nah I don't have any surprises!"
"Says 'The Talking Dog'", Cyril smirks.
Cyril considered the options. "The tough mercs and the grudges sound best. And if you have any particular unknowns with promise, why not invite them as well."
She then nods and waves her hand as she says, "Okay lets move you down to the green room and I will make the arrangements. We will see who is free at the moment that goes with that criteria."
She walks you out of the greenhouse, through the door and down to the next level. She walks over and opens the next door on the left. Within you find a large conference room with deep green covering the walls and green coverings on the plush chairs around a large table. She points to the doors and states, "Bathroom, Bedroom which has its own bathroom, and a smoking lounge."
After a few hours you hear a knock at the door. If you don't answer it immediately, they try the door handle and if unlocked, lets themselves in. A trio of obvious mercenaries. First is a tall six foot blue haired amazon. She has some leather armor on but has some exposed parts of her athletic body showing, let alone the curves. The next one to enter is a male elf in studded leather armor. A green cloak on his shoulders. Last there is a hulking half-orc male with a severe overbite with two prominent lower teeth.
Lord Cyril thanks his host and enters the bedroom. The young noble set down his gear, then returned to the green conference room. Cyril perused the bookshelves, finding an old book of fairy tales told in the original Sylvan.
Hmmm.
The young intellectual quickly became engrossed by the original narratives, finding overlooked perspectives worth of a paper. So engrossed was Cyril that he totally ignored the knocking door. As it opened, Cyril shot up from his green upholstered chair.
These must be Lady Ravenrose's available adventurers, Cyril surmised.
"Good afternoon. My name is Cyril Lucan. And I believe you shall be assisting me in an expedition to The Verge."
The young noble goes up to each person and offers his hand to shake.
He follows along petting Ed as they walk. He lays his lute and his halberd on the table before pulling up his feet as he sits in one of the cushioned chairs. He uses a bit of prestidigitation to clean off any dirt on his boots and any on the table.
After Cyril stands up and begins to greet their visitors he nods to himself. Then stands to greet the others too. He offers his hand to each in turn and offering his name, "Arthur Stavian, bard survivalist. Please have a seat, shall we discuss your skills or do you have something other on your mind?"
The brute of a half-orc simply walks in and sits at the table an almost vacant look on its face.
After entering she gives the two men a smile, brusquely she states, "Well aren't you formal and all." Then her tone softens, "I suppose I am the new voice of our group. We recently lost our voice. Maya, Maya Delthur Spearbearer. Leader of the Death Dealers. We only have three members as of now. As I said one of us has fallen, and the other squad is away. Sure we can talk about our skills. I am a spearbearer, Thorgar works as a damage dealer and being a blood rager can rage the group. Saronis our present blademaster keeps the enemies tactically in check."
She then continues, "We are without arcane or divine support but we get by. Hopfully your bard, Arthur is it, can manage healing for us."
He does not smile but observes you with curiosity. He returns the hand shakes to both of you and then has a seat next to Thorgar. As his name is intoned he bows his head slightly. He whips out several daggers imbedding them into the target behind him without looking. Then brings his two handed curved blade to rest before him on the table. Now he smiles knowing he has shown off some of his skills.
Cyril is taken aback by the lethality of the adventurers. "Well, The moniker 'Death Dealers' seems apt. Any association with The Mistress and her following?"
The young noble asks Thorgar something in Orc.
She quickly replies as she gets comfy in one of the cushioned chairs, "Loosely is the best term to use for us as a group but some of us are more than others. So will there be more or should this be the party? Just so we are clear I am bisexuality, not looking for a partner anytime soon, Thorgar is abstaining from sex until his kill count is over a thousand, and... we'll... Saronis is... we don't usually use terms for him."
Her words turn slightly oily as she speaks of money, "Will we be speaking with Talia on a payment plan or will you be fronting the bill?"
He looks up as Maya speaks about him and just grins.
His demeanor shifts to at least be more open by lowering his hands from his chest to the table and replies back in orc.
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As Maya talks about coins, they drop on the table as if from thin air. Then with a hand on both Arthur's and Cyril's shoulders she appears. Quietly she replies to Maya, "There are two more parties that will be joining us. I know Thorgar has bad blood with some of them, The Red Hand, but you will be on your best behavior, right Thorgar?!"
She leaves the side of the boys and walks over to the archway to the bedroom and activates glowing sigils on it, opening the door to a cave and a hot breeze sweeps into the room. Four orc warriors fully armed and have red tattoos and red war paint upon their bodies. She then states, "I present Kralla Khan and his three best warriors. They have a bit of a grudge against the barbarian tribes." She repeats it in orc as well. Kralla is a tall orc nearly seven feet tall and a very muscled frame filled for his height. "Normally I would not invite them but the only payment is the chance to kill barbarians of the Verge it is hard to tell them no. Though that is an option, from the soon discussions more details will be explained and our benefactors will have a say in who will be going with them." The three orcs lower their weapons, sheathing any extra weapons except the two handed ones. Kralla sits and puts his bloody warhammer on the table.
The last group comes from the normal door. The Bright, as you may know of them, are a divine group focused fully on Gorum and war. Spiked armor, heavy black armor to medium black armor, shields, and an arsenal of weapons matching those already in the room. Sir Issac Pureblood is their leader and a specialized force for war. He and his two companions stand behind their chairs, with honeyed lips he asks, "We just got done with training and rushed over. With the spiked armor we likely will tear your fine chairs. Though we are used to standing, please continue."
Talia thinks a few things to telepathically speak with both Arthur and Cyril, ::It will be easier this way to discuss. Are any of the groups out yet?:
Cyril looked surprised and confused, not familiar with the supposed drug.
After the orc barbarians are introduced, Cyril greets them in their tongue.
::So far, I'm impressed. The adventurers you've chosen look up for the job. Thank you again, Miss Ravenrose. Stavian, anything to add?::
He shrugs at the encouragement.
He obviously turns away from the Red Hand orcs.
The Bright is a group of divine casters. Sir Issac has a noble title as well as being knighted to protect Avalon.
The Bright has a lot of support from the good churches and has many numbers in reserve. Sir Issac is known for purging evil where ever found. He doesn't believe in mercy as none has been given.
The Bright actually is its own sect of Gorum. Sir Issac abjucated his position within the court so he could focus more on fighting. He is a cleric of Gorum and has some levels of fighter.
::No just taking everything in stride. So many skills to analyze. Miss Ravenrose is their a particular reason that you have brought these three groups?:: He asks through the link.
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::I was hoping you would notice. The Death Dealers and more so Thorgar work as a good middle ground between the other two groups. I don't think Yhe Bright has made enemies with the Red Hand but given them enough time in the same territory there would be war.::
She then states to the groups, "The pay is standard, 200 gp initial pay then 25 gp a week. We plan on exploring for or three months. All loot is to be declared identified and then the cost of the item will be seperated into shares. Upon completion and return of Lord Cyril and prince Stavian in good health a bonus 10,000 gold coins for each of them. Are we all on board with this treasure hunt? Oh by the way the guild will be taking half of the treasure or if less half of the magic items found feom the pooled loot."
Cyril looks at Arthur with disbelief. ::Prince?::
::I thought you knew, The Duke is my dad and the Crowned Prince is my uncle. Not of Avalon obviously. I don't publicize it often or at all, it draws too much attention.::
To the others in the room, it appears Cyril is trying to bore a hole in Stavian's head with his eyes. :We are going to discuss this later, 'trusted friend'!!::
The young noble softens his gaze and turns to see the reaction to the terms of the others.
You sense gleeful laughter through the link. A broad smile appears on his face.
He grins and slams his fist on the table in agreement.
He puts out her own suggestion, "Potions, max level 1st level potions. Five for each member, a bit of fluff to protect us would be nice. Especially if not coming out of our own wallets. So the guild pays for those to make sure we stay alive, is a good trade off."
The dog barks to get attention and then growls out, "I want biscuits every day! Fresh biscuits!"
He pats the dog looking at him and then requests from the group, "Anyone have some cooking skills or baking, some say they are different things. Just looking out for my pal Ed here. If not I will go pay for a master baker to come along with us too. With that we just need some requests of what you would like to eat?"
"I agree with Miss Ravenrose: all additional proposals are fair", Cyril spoke, to fill the void of conversation.
The young Lucan looked directly at Sir Issac and gave a courteous bow. Cyril then looked to Talia to see if she had anything else to add or if the meeting is adjured.
With nods of acceptance and talking more about the finer details of the contract each group signs the contracts which are standard operations within the guild.
The group decided to head out in three days, Talia needs some time to arrange for transportation.
Later Sir Issac comes back to the green room, knocking.
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He has changed out of his spiked heavy armor and wears a mithril shirt and a toga of sorts. He is still well armed a bandoleer of throwing daggers, bolas on his belt with several sheathed daggers and a longsword. His belt appears to have many pouches which likely hold many items to help him with battle.
Lord Cyril walks up and offers his hand.
"Sir Issac, it is an honor to make your acquaintance! I was so pleasantly surprised to see you and The Bright take up my cause. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you for your many years of service to Avalon and the Forces of Good!"
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Sir Issac takes Cyril's hand in greeting, He readily agrees, "Yes, you must know that we take up any chance to fight. Especially when the guildmaster requests a meeting. May we both continue to serve Avalon and the Forces of Good for many years to come! I am sure upon this adventure we will find evil to smite!"
"It is entirely possible", Lord Cyril frowns. "What little I know of the Verge area, the less I like. And somehow all of this ties into whatever my father, Lord Blake, left me."
"Did you know my father, Sir Issac?"
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He relays with regret, "No, I never knew him socially. My mentor, Lord Filbert, actually adventured with your father. So I have many tales of their exploits, though the most important one to share is when they went to the Verge 15 years ago. They were chasing cultists after sacrificing one of their team members. They followed them all the way to the mountain fortress. They fought their way in but found a monster in its lair, some say it was an umbral dragon, others say its long scaled body was so immense they never saw a head or an end. Though whatever it may be the key to its end is the Serpent's Flame. A mythological weapon weilded by the leader of the Bear Clan. So we will likely need to make a stop at the Bear Clan."
He blurts out, "Ahhh, so a bit of thievery then? I doubt they would would let us borrow it or did you have something else in mind?"
"Or more than likely, violence", Cyril smirked at 'The Prince'. "Well, whatever you think is best, Sir Issac. In this case, i shall defer to your expertise." The young noble bowed humbly.
Arthur surmises with a twinkle of mirth in his eye, "Well considering the crew that is going along with us, if we don't succeed at the first two options, violence is a good back up plan."
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He nods thinking about the situation and offers, "If diplomacy can't be used in this situation we likely will move to defending ourselves. As the barbarians don't have much love for civilized folks and the Red Hand has a axe to grind with them too. It was lovely to talk with the two of you, unless there is something else I should go get rest. We do wake up early with our regimen and I need to start making preparations for the expedition tomorrow."
He quickly adds to lighten the mood, "I need to find us a master cook, baker, and maybe a few others to help lighten the load for new group. Any other professions you suggest?"
"I'll leave acquiring any other professionals to you, 'Prince'", Cyril smirked.
The next three days fly. Arthur goes looking for experts in the fields of comfort which likely doesn't ping your interest. Ed goes along with Arthur but if you request it he would stay by your side. Sir Issac stuck to his regime of life and in the afternoon he would invite the two of you for lunch, then invite you along with him to organize for The Bright's needs. The Red Hand went back to their home and will be back in the morning of the 4th day. The Death Dealers waited patiently with a pint in one hand and a fork in the other in the guild's restaurant for the transportation to be arranged.
The third morning Talia sent a message to each of you. The one Cyril received said: We have a ship ready and will set sail at or before noon tomorrow. You may arrive early to arrange your accommodations. The Lighting Gryphon is a rather large Clipper is built more for speed than anything else. There is a large cargo hold but not many cabins. There are eight cabins. The captains cabin, the hold, the kitchen, the crew quarters, then the last four have been offered to accommodate each group.
As you step upon the deck of the ship a floating blue screen appears before your face it states: "Mission Accomplished!
You have taken your first steps onto adventure.
You may select one of the rewards to prepare you for the coming epic:
Companionship
Ferocity
Knowledge
Will Power
Adaptability"
At the bottom it does ask, "Do you accept your reward?
Yes/No."
Once selected another blue screen appears:
Would you like to join the Quest System?
If so please designate your status: Player, Chosen, Avatar, Warrior, Magician, Rogue, Other.
Lord Cyril is startled by the Blue Screen in front of his face. "Desna..can it be? Are these the fabled Blue Screens that pop up for The Chosen? Is this some kind of trick?"
The young investigator looks at the options on the screen. Knowledge and Adaptability draws Cyril's eye.
"I'm a man of Knowledge, and Knowledge will be my reward." Cyril makes his choice and hits 'Yes'.
Cyril then sees the six options to join the Quest System. "Desna, please bless me with your Luck!"
Cyril presses the option for Chosen.
A surge of energy enters Cyril's body as he makes his selections and agrees. A few blue screens appear:
You have gained the title: Knowledge Seeker
You shall gain 2 additional skill points per level.
You shall gain a +1 trait bonus to a skill once per level.
You shall gain a bonus feat at 1st, 4th, 8th, 12th, and 16th levels.
You have selected the designation: Chosen.
You are an inhabitant of Arcanium and have learned to harness the power of the Chosen.
The first power of the Chosen is a wish, one with no penalties and if harnessed for even greater power then curses will follow.
Note: No severe curses will be bestowed upon you at this time.
Note: You don't have to select your wish yet, you may save it and an item will be made for you and only you to use in the future. If you plan on sharing the System with others that you trust then it may be best to wait.
The second power of the Chosen is your super power.
Suggestion: Select one of the following powers: Super Accelerated Learning, Harness the Power, Awesome Genius.
Many other abilities/powers are available do to your title:
You do notice a few ones that stick out with your already vast intelligence and they are Perfect Recall, Knowledge of the Gods, and Unassailable Wish.